Spirituality Exploration

Walking as a spiritual practice is less about using your path for the sake of transportation and more about engaging the trail for ongoing transformation. Each day of this track we will spend time immersed among the elements of wild nature that make themselves known on forest trails. Montreat has approximately 20 miles of trails. Trail maps can be picked up from the Nature Center, the Montreat Store, or downloaded here. More information about the Montreat Wilderness can be found here.

Find a comfortable spot—a bench, a rock, or beneath a tree. Close your eyes or lower your gaze and take three deep breaths. Then engage each of your senses in sequence: 

1. Listen: Pay attention to the symphony of nature around you. What birds do you hear? Can you detect the sound of leaves rustling or water flowing? What is the farthest sound you can identify? Notice the absence of mechanical or electronic noises that typically cause stress. In this listening, be open to how God might be speaking through the natural world. 
2. Look: Observe how sunlight filters through the trees, creating patterns of light and shadow. Notice the colors of plants, the movement of insects, and the diversity of life forms. Our eyes evolved to process natural light and patterns—give them this gift. Consider how each element of creation reflects the creativity and wisdom of the Creator. 
3. Smell: Breathe deeply and notice the fragrances around you. Trees and plants release phytoncides—essential oils that protect them and benefit us. How would you describe these scents? Fresh? Earthy? Citrus-like? Each fragrance is part of God’s design for healing and connection. 
4. Touch: Connect physically with nature. Feel the texture of tree bark, the smoothness of leaves, or the coolness of grass. Notice temperature changes near water features. Consider how these natural elements have existed long before us and will remain after we’re gone—a testament to the eternal nature of the Creator’s work. 
5. Taste: While we don’t recommend eating plants or drinking from natural water sources, take a moment to enjoy a sip from your water bottle. Reflect on how the earth nourishes us and consider your relationship with food and its sources. Give thanks to God for the sustenance that comes from the earth. 

Conclude by “drinking in the flavor of the forest”—spending a few moments in silent appreciation of the complete sensory experience and the divine presence that permeates it all. 

Choose a path and walk at a deliberate, slow pace. This practice can become a moving prayer, a conversation with the Spirit as you journey. Focus on: 

• The sensation of your feet touching the ground created by God 
• Your breathing rhythm, the very breath of life given by the Creator 
• The gentle movement of your body, a temple of the Holy Spirit 
• The changing scenery as you progress, revealing God’s ongoing creation 

Let thoughts come and go without attachment. If your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to your steps, your breathing, and God’s presence with you on the path. 

This brief practice can be done between classes or meetings: 

• Sit or stand in a comfortable position 
• Close your eyes 
• Take five slow, deep breaths 
• With each exhale, think “In this moment” 
• With each inhale, think “God is here” 

Allow yourself to fully arrive in the presence of the Creator before continuing with your day.

After engaging in any of these practices, consider: 

• What did you notice that you hadn’t before? How might God be revealing something new to you? 
• How has your relationship with the natural world and its Creator shifted? 
• What feelings or insights from the Spirit emerged during your practice? 
• How might you incorporate elements of these practices into your daily spiritual life? 
• In what ways did you sense God’s presence during your time in nature? 

Remember that these contemplative activities are invitations, not obligations. Follow where the Spirit leads you and your own comfort level. You may find that different practices resonate with you at different times. The most important aspect is your willingness to be present and open to the experience of God in creation.